American College of Cardiology

The American College of Cardiology (ACC), based in Washington, D.C., is a nonprofit medical association established in 1949. It bestows credentials upon cardiovascular specialists who meet its qualifications. Education is a core component of the college, which is also active in the formulation of health policy and the support of cardiovascular research. The American College of Cardiology was chartered and incorporated as a teaching institution in 1949, and established its headquarters, called Heart House, in Bethesda, Maryland, in 1977. In 2006, the college relocated to Washington, D.C.'s West End neighborhood. Past papers for the institution are held at the National Library of Medicine in Bethesda, Maryland. The college is governed by its officers, including the president, president-elect, vice president, secretary, treasurer, chief executive officer and board of trustees (BOT). The current ACC Board of Trustees consists of 14 college members. The president of ACC leads the board of trustees for a one-year term. Members of the board of governors serve as grassroots liaisons between the local chapters and the college's national headquarters. Athena Poppas, MD, FACC, was the president for 2020–2021. In July 2023, the college announced that Cathleen Biga, MSN, RN, FACC, would assume the role as president for 2024–2025. The American College of Cardiology has approximately 54,000 members, including physicians, registered nurses, clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, doctors of pharmacology and practice administrators, specializing in cardiovascular care. Becoming a fellow of the American College of Cardiology, associate fellow or affiliate member is based on training, specialty board certification, scientific and professional accomplishments and duration of active participation in a cardiovascular related field. At least 75 percent of professional activities must be devoted to the field of cardiovascular disease. Those who have long exposure in field of acaedemics, research and patient care are eligible for the fellowship of this college.